To the Editor: Private armies fulfill a need

Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to the Guest Column “Blackwater/Xe flees Jo Daviess County, but training continues” by Dan Kenney in the Nov. 17-23 issue.

This is a comment on the Guest Column by Dan Kenney, co-coordinator, No Private Armies.

I have little in-depth knowledge of Mr. Kenney’s organization or of Blackwater. Thus, my comment is more of philosophy than specifics. I am comfortable with the concept of private armies, mercenaries, militias and privately-operated combat and training facilities. It keeps power somewhat dispersed and out of the hands of government. I view this as a good thing, not to mention that it is capitalism at work. Someone sees a need. They provide it. They get paid. Sounds like old-fashioned free enterprise to me.